Inchworm moth (Geometridae Ennominae Abraxas amicula - Wherli, 1935
)

Found as a caterpillar on Braemar Hill in North Point on May 22, 2000.  It was feeding on Euonymus chinensis.  The caterpillars are loosely communal and spin a good bit of webbing, but not in a tent.  If blown or knocked off their leaf, they can be seen hanging suspended from their silk thread which is fairly strong.  The male and female moths are similar in appearance.  The wing spotting can vary considerably in terms of size, but the pattern remains consistent, and different from Abraxas illumniata.  Also, A. illuminata has white colored wings, contrasted with amicula's cream coloring.


The ova are smooth spheres.


Four larvae were found on 22 May, 2000,
feeding on the tendrilless vine,  Euonymus chinensis


This pupa was formed on 19 May, 2000.
The cocoon was just a few anchoring strands of silk.

Geometrid moth in rest position
The moth in rest position
Eclosure was on 18 June, 2000.
Moth, top & underside views
Top and Underside views of moth
Wingspan was about 3.8 cm / 1.5 inches
 
 
 
 

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kilroy
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This page last updated 23-Sep-2001.